Rice: Opportunity is key for 885 new U.S. citizens

Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., commander of Air Education and Training Command, spoke to immigrants from 87 countries Nov. 20 at a U.S. naturalization and citizenship ceremony at Trinity University's Laurie Auditorium.

As the guest of honor, Rice addressed the 885 new citizens to welcome and encourage them to get the most out of the opportunity citizenship can bring.

"I share in your joy," he said. "This is indeed a special day, not only for you, but for all of us who call ourselves Americans."

Although his first citizenship event, the general said he has been to many other events that mark a transition in one's life, as with airmen in basic military training.

"We make only one promise to the people we bring into the armed forces, but it is one of the greatest promises we can ever make to them," the general said. "We promise them opportunity."

Rice urged the new citizens of all cultures, ethnicities and genders to strive to reach their full potential in America. After sharing his personal reflections of the successes of his family after generations of hard work, he encouraged all of the new citizens to do the same.

"Is this the land of opportunity? You bet it is," he said. "And my family, like millions of others, is living proof of this."

The general spoke of his hopes for all of those in attendance.

"For new citizens, this country has given you an opportunity that will open up other opportunities for you and your family. I encourage you to repay this considerable gift by helping to keep this country strong in whatever way you can," he said.

Tech. Sgt. Beth Anschutz is in the Air Education and Training Command public affairs office at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph.